Navigating today’s auto market can be a daunting task, with its varying levels of inventory and volatile prices. In this context, knowledge really is power. A critical piece of this knowledge is understanding Market day supply (MDS). This is a measure of the number of days it would take to sell all of a particular car model, based on the current sales rate, assuming no additional inventory is added. A high MDS suggests an oversupply, which can give buyers bargaining power, while a low MDS can indicate a seller’s market, where bargaining could prove more difficult.
using Data from CarEdge, we identified which new cars have the most and least available inventory today. What we found was shocking. In today’s new car market, inventory ranges from as little as a week’s supply to a staggering two-year supply. Inventory weighs heavily in the negotiation. This valuable information can give you a head start on your car buying journey, helping you save money and avoid the hassle.
Top 10: New cars with the highest inventory
When we looked at new car inventory, we found a significant presence of American brands in the top 10. The reason? The oversupply, driven primarily by overpriced trucks and SUVs. It seems that American automakers have been flooding the market with these models, resulting in an inflation of market day supply.
Here are the 10 new cars with the most inventory right now:
Yes, you read that right. There is a two-year supply Jeep Renegade Right Now. At recent daily sales rates, it would take two full years to sell the existing inventory of new Jeep Renegades. Other Jeeps make the top 10 Jeep Cherokee (391 MDS), compass (352 MDS) and gladiator (283 MDS) are all sitting in dealer lots right now. There is HUGE potential for great deals on these Jeeps, with negotiation skills.
Bottom 10: New cars with the lowest inventory
On the other side of the coin, Asian automakers have the lowest inventory. They were hit hard by the 2021-2022 chip shortage, and as of 2023 are still dealing with supply chain issues that keep inventory well below normal. Interestingly, these automakers found that profit margins remained high (and even increased) despite record low inventory, hinting at a possible change in their business model. Inventory may never return to pre-pandemic levels for some of these brands.
If you’re buying any of these new cars in 2023, you’ll be facing stiff competition and, in many cases, greedy dealers:
At the end of the list, the Kia Seltos i Lexus NX both have a market day supply (MDS) of only 9 days. This means that their current inventory could theoretically be sold out in a little over a week given the recent pace of sales. The Kia Carnival i BMW X5 they are not far behind, with an MDS of 13 and 14 respectively. In the same way, the Subaru Impreza i Kia Forte they are also experiencing low inventory levels, with an MDS of 15 and 19, respectively.
These depleted stock levels reflect the ongoing supply chain struggles these automakers are facing, making these models harder to come by and potentially more expensive due to high demand and the low supply.
Finally, we would like to share a powerful and 100% free resource: the car buying cheat sheet. This reader favorite can give you an extra boost in your search for the perfect car at the perfect price. For an even deeper dive into price statistics, download the first one CarEdge Report today. This comprehensive report breaks down the most important numbers in an easy-to-understand format, setting you up for success at the negotiating table.
Finally, if you are looking for personalized guidance and experience, CarEdge coach is your key to saving. Our experienced car buyers can offer personalized advice and help you negotiate thousands of discounts on your next car. Don’t go into the car buying process alone; leave CarEdge guide you every step of the way. You’ll be glad you did.
